postpone a national “cow science” exam after the Official Wearing israel hebrew coca-cola shirt it is in the first place but curriculum prompted widespread criticism over its unscientific claims about the animal. Among several unproven claims, the 54-page exam study guide stated that large-scale abattoir activity leads to major earthquakes, suggesting that pain emitted by mass slaughter could generate enough stress to trigger a seismic reaction. Without providing evidence, it also stated that native (Indian) cows produce the best quality of milk, compared to “exotic cows.” A political animal Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rise to power in 2014 on a wave of Hindu-nationalism, the animal has also become increasingly politicized. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is strongly aligned with conservative Hindu traditions and critics say cow-worship has been used as a tool to intimidate, harass and even kill Muslims, who they accuse in some cases of disrespecting the animals. According to Human Rights Watch, cow vigilante crimes in India have been ignored or covered up by authorities since Modi took office. Three men beaten to death on suspicion of cattle theft in India During Modi’s 2014 election campaign, he promised to end a “pink
revolution” – a phrase he used to describe the Official Wearing israel hebrew coca-cola shirt it is in the first place but slaughter of cattle. Other BJP lawmakers have taken it one step further. “I had promised that I will break the hands and legs of those who do not consider cows their mother and kill them,” said Vikram Saini, a legislator for the state of Uttar Pradesh, at an event in March 2017. The statements led to outcry in the country where violence against women and minorities make frequent headlines. Critics say there is a double standard within the government, and argue the BJP isn’t doing enough to protect vulnerable groups. In 2017, a photo series from photographer and activist Sujatro Ghosh portraying Indian women wearing cow masks went viral on social media. The series of images was intended to depict a society in which cows are more valued than women. Speaking to reporters about “Hug a Cow Day” on Thursday – before it was cancelled – BJP lawmaker Giriraj Singh said “a very good decision has been taken” by the government. “Cows should be hugged,” he said. “We should love and hug the cow.”
